Linking Tamiflu, the avian flu, and intelligent design. “Finally, Americans and their leaders will have to get over their love affair with intelligent design . Polls show that most don’t believe in evolution. But it is actually impossible to talk logically about bird flu, or any other rapidly evolving and constantly changing virus, without using the language of evolution — specific words such as ‘mutant,’ ‘recombination,’ ‘genome’ and ‘selection.’ Without that language, a sensible popular or political discussion, let alone a scientific discussion, is impossible: We’re stuck talking about the virus ‘jumping’ from birds to humans, as if it were a magic bug with a mind of its own. We’re stuck thinking that a virus is a hex that can be lifted with a single lucky charm, not something that will change over time.”

7 comments

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Anonymous

Likening the mutation of a virus to the origen of man’s existance is not quite comparing an apple to an apple

Anonymous

To Anon 11:03Yes it can be.If the genes of a virus can mutate to produce a different virus,then the genes of the Homo species can mutate to produce Homo sapiens. That’s the comparison.

Anonymous

Your argument is flawed. No matter how many mutations Avian Flu goes through, it’s still a virus. The “evolution” of monkeys into humans requires mutations into dramatically different species and vastly greater complexity.

Anonymous

“The “evolution” of monkeys into humans”

I knew that you are not a scientist but a man of religion. When you know your science then we can talk science. In the meantime go check your horoscope.

The Squire

It wasn’t an “evolution of monkeys into humans,” but the gradual divergance over millions of years (7 or so to be exact) between the chimp and human lines since our last common ancestor. Just like a virus is a virus, Humans are Primates and Great Apes, just as chimps, gorillas, and orangutangs are. Your understanding of the facts are flawed, anon 3:25.

beajerry

Sadly, once again a journalist gives more credit to intelligent design than it’s due. It’s still a fringe thing.I wish they’d stop talking about it as if it has popular appeal.

Anonymous

“The “evolution” of monkeys into humans”

The THEORY of evolution does not claim humans evolved from monkeys. This is typical ignorance on those who subscribe to ID. They manipulate words to make a point.There is no such thing in science as The Theory of Intelligent Design. It does not pass the test for the definition of a theory and is actually a BELIEF. The use of the word “intelligent” is misleading and is not how scientists use this word. This word when used as an adjective or a noun by scientists refer to the living and when used on the non-living, the word “artificial” precedes it. Does “Intelligent” refer to “Design” as being intelligent or smart or brilliant? Or does “Intelligent” refer to the “Designer”. Or does “Intelligent” mean all-powerful, omnipresent and omniscient? It should be renamed “The Belief in God’s Design”. But, that’s not going to happen.You have an agenda which is to teach your religion in the public school. And you are not being honest about it. Why would I have you teach your religion to my children when you are being dishonest? -Dr. EAM